Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 17

Below is a short summary or synopsis of the Bible reading for the day. Use it as a helpful tool to think through the Scripture. There are also some cross references to study other passages of Scripture to highlight or better understand that passage.

Luke records here the trials, crucifixion and burial of Jesus, all of which a part of God’s plan of redemption. One important thing to notice, beyond Jesus fulfilling his Messianic role, is the many responses to Christ. Pilate, even though he finds no fault in him, is not willing to stand up for Jesus. It would have definitely been an unpopular decision to release Jesus, so Pilate could not bring himself to risk his position and the influence he had over the people. Herod had familiarity with Jesus and was happy to see him, but only in a superficial way. Herod did not have faith in Jesus, but merely wanted to be entertained by him. The religious leaders and chief priests were indeed jealous of Jesus and felt threatened by him, therefore their anger towards him kindled. Jesus was a major threat to their way of life and their livelihood, so they felt he must be stopped. The majority of the crowd that gathered were easily swayed by their leaders and the rhetoric they espoused. Most of these individuals did not stop to think or reason for themselves, but simply joined in with the mob, demanding that a murderer be released and an innocent man condemned. There are some who mourned and wept, for they had experienced Christ and understood who He truly was, the Promised One that would be stricken, smitten and afflicted. Let us reflect on our own heart’s response to Jesus.

(Isaiah 53:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16; 1 Peter 1:20)

Even though Jesus had told his disciples all that must take place concerning his death, burial and resurrection, they were shocked when it came to fruition. This is evident in the angels question to the women, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” The angels were curious as to why the women would be seeking Jesus and to care for his body when he had told them about the Scriptures and all that would be fulfilled in him. Many of the disciples were perplexed and even frightened, at one point thinking they had seen a ghost. The truth is that the workings of God are truly miraculous and often incomprehensible to us. With great care and patience Jesus reveals himself in a resurrected body, fellowshipping with them and teaching them, so that they could grasp the entirety of this gospel truth, assuring and preparing them to take it to the ends of the earth.

(Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:1-8; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21)

Due to the insubordination of Queen Vashti, King Ahasueras adheres to the counsel of his advisors and publicly seeks another queen. In His great providence, God had positioned a young and beautiful Jewish exile right there in Persia, who would ultimately win the heart of the king. Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, raised her as his own daughter and cared for her dearly. As Mordecai keeps a close watch on Esther during her time of preparation for the king, he foils an assassination plot against Ahasueras. God is clearly using Mordecai and Esther to gain beneficial favor with the Persian king, which will eventually bring great restoration and blessing to the Jewish people. God’s sovereignty can be witnessed through ordinary events as they ultimately play a major role in bringing about His will and plan.

(Genesis 39:21-23; Psalm 5:12; Proverbs 3:1-4; Daniel 1:9)

As we studied earlier in the year (1 Samuel 15 on March 10th) Saul disobeyed God’s command to wipe out the Amalekites, by particularly allowing Agag their king to live. Although Samuel later killed Agag, his descendants among others survived. This act of insurrection on Saul’s part resurfaces here in the book of Esther, as Haman (a descendant of Agag v.1) arrives on the scene some 500 years later to further oppress the Jewish people. King Ahasueras appoints Haman as his second in command over all of the provinces under his control. Many bow down to Haman, giving him honor and adoration, much to his embellishment. However, Mordecai would not bow down to him because he knew that Haman was a descendant of Israel’s enemy (Amalek), as well as the fact that a devout Jew would never bow to any other than their God. This infuriates Haman and in Amalekite fashion, he plots a fiendish plan to eradicate the Jews from the face of the earth. Regardless of the actions of man, God’s plan will no doubt be fulfilled.

(1 Samuel 15:8-11; Proverbs 19:21; Daniel 4:34-37, 6:4-7)

Sackcloth was typically a very uncomfortable and itchy fabric, often made of black goat’s hair, which symbolized the discomfort and suffering the individual was experiencing. Ashes symbolized desolation or being brought to the ground, once again depicting the individuals despair. It was a Hebrew custom to put on sackcloth and ashes as an outward display of the inner mourning and an earnest plea for God’s mercy and deliverance. Upon hearing of Mordecai’s public display of weeping, Esther attempts to cover his sorrow. Due to Mordecai’s spiritual wisdom, he understands that it is the Lord who has strategically placed Esther in a position of influence within the Persian kingdom for a “time such as this.” Esther not only trusts her cousin/guardian, but she also realizes the sovereign hand of God in this moment. Esther and Mordecai continue to move in a spirit of obedience as they seek God’s will and favor through prayer and fasting, knowing that Esther will be taking a leap of faith, potentially sacrificing her own life for the Jewish people.

(Ezra 8:23; Isaiah 58:5-8; Daniel 9:3; Joel 2:12; Matthew 17:21)

Esther’s God-given beauty wielded immense power over the king. As soon as he saw her adorned in the inner court, he was prepared to give her just about anything she wanted. Instead of just blurting out her request, she devises a plan to gain further favor and attention with the king while simultaneously exposing Haman. After leaving the first banquet, Haman crosses paths with Mordecai. Apparently Haman’s ego and pride were so inflated, his anger and hatred of the Jews grew simply because Mordecai was unfazed by his presence. Haman’s fury became so intense he sought to publicly execute Mordecai.

(Psalm 21:11-12; Proverbs 6:16-19; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)

God would have it that king Ahasueras could not sleep the night before Esther’s feast, what would be Haman’s chance to persuade the king to execute Mordecai. To pass the sleepless hours, Ahasueras had the historical accounts of his reign read aloud. God used this as a chance to remind the king of how Mordecai potentially saved his life. To Haman’s surprise, he is forced to parade Mordecai through the streets as a savior as opposed to having him hanged before the same audience. On top of Haman’s frustration and anger, his wife and advisors warn him that there is no way he can prevail over the Jews and their God.

(Deuteronomy 32:35-36; Proverbs 21:1-2; Isaiah 60:14; Luke 14:11)